Cordial
/ˈkɔːrdʒəl/
Definitions
2 meaningsShowing or expressing warm and sincere friendliness.
/ˈkɔːrdʒəl/
Warm and friendly; gracious
She gave us a cordial welcome.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're at a party, and someone gives you a big, warm smile and says hello like they're genuinely happy to see you. That's being cordial! It's like having a nice, friendly, and welcoming vibe.
👶 For kids: Being super nice and friendly, like when you say "Hi" with a big smile!
More Examples
The meeting ended on a cordial note.
They exchanged cordial greetings before the negotiation.
How It's Used
"A cordial greeting at the door."
"Cordial relations between the two countries are essential for peace."
A sweet, non-alcoholic beverage, usually flavored with fruit or herbs.
/ˈkɔːrdʒəl/
A sweet, flavored, non-alcoholic drink.
Would you like a glass of elderflower cordial?
💡 Simply: Imagine a yummy, sweet drink that you mix with water to make it extra delicious. That's a cordial! It's like a special fruity syrup for your drink.
👶 For kids: A yummy drink that's sweet and fruity!
More Examples
She mixed the cordial with sparkling water.
The bar served various cordials as mixers.
How It's Used
"They offered us a refreshing cordial after dinner."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
Cordial invitation
A formal and very friendly invitation.
"They received a cordial invitation to the wedding."
Cordial relationship
A friendly and amiable connection between people or entities.
"The company maintained a cordial relationship with its suppliers."
From Middle French *cordial* (heartening), from Latin *cor* (heart). Originally referred to things that strengthened the heart, then broadened to mean friendly and welcoming.
Historically used to describe medicines believed to strengthen the heart, the term evolved to describe friendly interactions and later a sweet drink.
Memory tip
Think of a welcoming 'core' that's heart-felt, friendly, and ready to socialize. A 'cordial' person opens their heart.
Word Origin
"heart"